I am new to the site. I am 23 years old and live in Utah, although that is not where I am from. I do not have family members that are, or have been masons (that I know of). Throughout a series of spiritual experiences and epiphanies, I feel led to freemasonry. My interest is totally organic, which leads me to one of my questions: is this a common theme amongst masons? Feeling organically led without knowing any masons personally or having family involved? I’m just curious. Also, are there any platforms I can go visit to casually chat with masons and maybe exchange skype or phone numbers? I have taken a tour of the local lodge in the past and went to a meetup, but have only very recently committed to attending regularly so that I can submit my petition. My first meetup in over a year and only 2nd meetup ever is on thursday the 29th. Thank you and I look forward to my journey in becoming a better man.

Hey there. I’m not really sure what you mean by being “organically led” to Freemasonry, so I’m not sure how to answer that part of your questions.

I would say that in general there are many reasons for joining. Generally though, I would say these reasons are based on wanting to be a part of something greater, looking for a connection to other like-minded men, etc.

As for ways to chat with Masons, I would say you’ve found one outlet that is good for questions about joining, and occasionally we get into other topics, but the more in depth conversations are best had in person. The best source for info about Freemasonry is from a lodge in your community. Most men are thrilled to have the opportunity to talk about the fraternity they love if you approach them about it.

I think I can somewhat understand where Awoken is coming from with the “organically led” inasmuch that he hasn’t had influences of Freemasonry common in his life. He didn’t grow up with family being a part of it, so in some way or form HE sought out masonry completely on his own. He didn’t necessarily see his dad or grandfather getting dressed in his suit to go to lodge, so his exposure was very limited. It may have been something as simple as a bumper sticker, or through all of the conspiracies that surround masonry his curiosity was piqued, and through his own independent research he found that masonry was in essence to make good men better. And that may go hand in hand with his spiritualty and personal epiphanies.
I can understand and empathize entirely with the “organically led”. My local lodge closed in 2004 and the nearest is 70 miles away, so a masonic presence in our community is sorely lacking so I had to do the legwork.
My advice (strictly as uninformed as I am) would be for him to reach out to his local Masons, attend lodge meetups if he’s able, research the history of his local lodge… To Be One, Ask One goes further than just joining the fraternity, by and large most Masons are more than happy to talk with you and answer whatever questions you may have, to the best of their ability.

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“No man steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river… and he’s not the same man.” ~Heraclitus

Ah, ok; I see what you mean - and whilst you’re ‘in the pipeline’ of joining (if you get my meaning), your advice is sound - although I doubt he’ll get it as his last visit was at the end of November - 3 days after he posted the question, so I’m not entirely sure how committed he is.